Burgundy Corn

Family: Poaceae Grain Vegetable

Velvety, wine-dark kernels—deep burgundy to near-plum—stand out in bold, sculptural rows, catching the light like polished garnet.

The ears develop with a firm, slightly glossy texture that holds its color beautifully, making Burgundy Corn a showpiece from garden to bouquet. Grow it for striking ornamental display and for statement dried arrangements that keep their dramatic hue long after harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These wine-dark kernels cook like classic sweet corn but with a more toasted, almost caramel-grape character that really blooms when you hit them with high heat. Choose it for quick grilling or sautéing—heat helps the kernels turn from snappy to silky without losing their striking color.

Best Uses

butter-slick grilled corn where the kernels blister and sweeten
roasting or pan-searing for a deeper, caramelized kernel flavor
shaving fresh kernels into limey salads or slaws
baking into corn pudding or fritters for a purple-gold set

Flavor Profile

sweet corn with a darker, toasted-caramel edge tender, juicy kernels that go from snappy to custardy with heat slight nutty, grape-like undertone

Kitchen Pairings

lime smoked paprika butter cotija cheese chile-lime mayonnaise charred scallions

Frequently Asked Questions

My Burgundy corn leaves have small holes and silvery streaks—what pest is this and what should I do?

Those symptoms are typical of corn flea beetles, which chew tiny shot-holes that look worse as the plants are still small. Dust or spray with a labeled pyrethrin insecticide when you first see active beetles, and use floating row cover until plants are knee-high to keep them off. Because flea beetles hit early growth hardest, recheck daily for the first 2–3 weeks after emergence.

How often should I water Burgundy corn during the main growing phase?

From tassel to early milk (roughly mid-season to about 60–75 days), water deeply 1–2 times per week so the soil stays consistently moist 4–6 in down. Aim for about 1–1.5 in of water per week from rain plus irrigation, and avoid light, frequent watering that wets only the surface. If leaves start to curl and soil is dry when you dig 4 in, water immediately.

How can I tell when Burgundy corn is ready to harvest (80 days to maturity)?

Start checking around day 75–80 for ears with full kernels and silky tassel-to-silk timing of about 18–22 days after silks first appear. Press a kernel with your thumbnail—juice should be milky, not watery; if it’s still watery and pale, give 2–3 more days. Harvest the ear as soon as kernels look plump and the silk has browned and dried.